Illinois remained home for me ten years. I also have ten additional years in the south. Twenty years split equally. Surely I can identify myself as a mutt. Born a Yankee and converted into a southerner, my mixed roots imitate my impure blood. Irish, Italian, English, Scottish, Syrian, etc. Diversity excites me because, ironically, I see in others what I see in myself- a single edition.
I resided in suburbs. Which are often satirized. But rich memories were made in each. I'm experienced in moving so I can vouch for the distinct experience of each seemingly similar suburb. In elementary school, my neighborhood friends were boys. My sister and I played with Barbies and babies, but also appreciated Pokémon and Sonic. We knew how to throw a ball and beat boys in quick out and back races.
When I went South, I familiarized myself with twisted drawls and sweetened tea. I attended a school where status was determined by acreage and every person had at least one piece of camouflage attire.
One more state down, the drawls were less present and everyone originated from somewhere else. Which is perfectly fine by me. But southern tradition remains in some ways. My dad bought a truck. It was big. Massive actually. But he moved to Philadelphia this fall where the streets are too small for his new investment.
I see myself here. In Georgia. But somewhere else too. Somewhere unknown.
Illinois remained home for me ten years. I also have ten additional years in the south. Twenty years split equally. Surely I can identify myself as a mutt. Born a Yankee and converted into a southerner, my mixed roots imitate my impure blood. Irish, Italian, English, Scottish, Syrian, etc. Diversity excites me because, ironically, I see in others what I see in myself- a single edition.
I resided in suburbs. Which are often satirized. But rich memories were made in each. I'm experienced in moving so I can vouch for the distinct experience of each seemingly similar suburb. In elementary school, my neighborhood friends were boys. My sister and I played with Barbies and babies, but also appreciated Pokémon and Sonic. We knew how to throw a ball and beat boys in quick out and back races.
When I went South, I familiarized myself with twisted drawls and sweetened tea. I attended a school where status was determined by acreage and every person had at least one piece of camouflage attire.
One more state down, the drawls were less present and everyone originated from somewhere else. Which is perfectly fine by me. But southern tradition remains in some ways. My dad bought a truck. It was big. Massive actually. But he moved to Philadelphia this fall where the streets are too small for his new investment.
I see myself here. In Georgia. But somewhere else too. Somewhere unknown.